halloween safety

The real dangers of Halloween are not the ghosts and goblins but the evil intent of real life monsters who would harm children and the hazards of children having fun in a world of unintentional danger. Here are some ways your child can avoid the pitfalls of this spookiest of day.

Going Out

Buy costumes, masks, beards, wigs and accessories with a flame resistant label. The best costumes are light colored or bright and reflective. Keep costumes short to avoid tripping and falling. Minimize risk of contact with candles or other ignition sources by avoiding baggy pants, loose frills, or billowing skirts. 

Give every child a flashlight with fresh batteries.  Remind them of traffic safety rules, and that they should cross streets at corners and never cross between parked cars. Make sure that children know how to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number if they experience an emergency. Give older children coins for non-emergency calls.  In fact, your best bet is to have at least one adult with each child or group of children with a cellular telephone.  Report suspicious activities to the police even if no one is harmed. That old guy inviting children into his home may be harmless or may a child molester. Let the police check him out to be sure.

Teach children to STOP, DROP and ROLL should their clothing catch fire: STOP immediately, DROP to the ground and cover face, and ROLL over and over to extinguish the flames.

Eating

Children shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go--don't send them out on a empty stomachs. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Tell children not to accept - and, especially, not to eat - anything that isn't commercially wrapped.

When children bring their treats home, discard any homemade candy or baked goods. Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys. Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect it for holes, including small punctures, and cut it open before allowing children to eat it. IF in any doubt, throw it out.

And, some Halloween treats may trigger allergic reactions so know what your child is allergic to and what is in the goodies he or she has been given. Again, if you have a doubt about a treat, toss it out.

Be Safest and Do Not Go Out

Halloween is not only the season for children to have fun but is also one of the many holidays adults hold parties and drink. If you are a partying adult this Halloween, help protect the children by:

Appointing a designated driver who does not drink alcohol or use drugs during the party. You may not realize it but research shows that just ONE beer can impair your driving skills. How dangerous to a child walking along the streets can just one glass of whiskey make you? The rule is real simple. ANYONE who has drank ANY alcoholic beverages or used ANY drug does not drive. Cab fare is cheap insurance for just one child’s life.

And, even if you have not been partying before driving this Halloween, be extra careful when driving as excited children can forget safety rules when crossing the street.

Of course, children should watch carefully when using the streets – look both ways before crossing the street for example. Despite the best precautions though, your child can get hurt going house to house this spooky day, so maybe the safest way is not going out at all. No, do not cancel the Halloween fun but celebrate the day of ghosts and goblins in a more controlled environment than even your neighborhood. Have a Halloween party in your home – inviting the neighborhood adults – including that older woman down the street who could come dressed as a witch for example – and the children. In your home, you know the treats will be safe and the tricks harmless. Can you guarantee that on the streets?

Or, if you do not have the energy or space for a home party, look in your local newspaper for parties being held by churches, civic organizations such as the Y or even schools. At those parties too, your children will have safe adult supervision and safe treats – maybe even some healthy treats such as carrot sticks instead of that candy that makes your children ill the next day. Do not be scared about your child’s safety this Halloween. Go out to a party either held by a neighbor or a local public organization or have your own in home party. Or travel house to house taking all the safety precautions you can for you and your children.